The Su-34 code name fullback is a two seat strike variant that first flew in 1990. It features frontal wings and a large flattened nose with sharp edges (like the SR-71) cut back radar cross-section. This new ship-borne fighter is fitted with two AL-31FP engines with vectored thrust. Using them permits either the take-off distance or most take-off weight (MTOW) of the aircraft to be increased by 10-15 percent. in the nose is a new multi-mode phased-array radar with terrain-following and terrain-avoidance for low-level attack. The aircraft contains a distinctive big "sting" in the rear that contains the NO-14 radiolocation system, a radioelectronic countermeasures system, and a fuel tank. The NIIP NO-12 rearward radar that monitors enemy fighter activity behind the aircraft, and as required, direct R-73 short-range and R-77 medium-range AAMs at the targets.
The SU-34 are going to be one of the three high performance aircraft that are planned to make the core of the future Russian Air Force, together with the Yak-130 advanced trainer and a new 5th generations fighter aircraft (
PAK-FA). The Strike Flanker was in competition with the Su-30 to switch the Su-24 and was successful because of the potential of growth of the avionics, since it had twice the area in relation to the opposite airplanes of the Flanker family. Su-34 is intended to defeat the F-15, F/A-18 and Eurofighter typhoon in air combat engagements.
